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Our family law attorneys have helped hundreds of families get through difficult times. Don't take our word for it, read testimonials from our past clients to get an idea of how we can help your family get through this difficult time.

“Molly and her staff supported me completely through a drawn out divorce. My ex and his lawyer did everything they could to bleed me dry and drag the proceedings out. Molly is extremely compassionate and professional. I highly recommend her.”

Molly is rated AV - the highest possible rating- by her peers through the Martindale and Hubble rating process and has been recognized as a Superb Family Law attorney and Client's Choice 2012 by Avvo.com.

Molly has also been named by Seattle Met Magazine as one of Seattle's top family law attorneys.

Stacey Smythe has over 24 years of experience in representing Northwest clients in cases ranging from divorce (amicable and high-conflict), modifications, child custody, paternity, child support and domestic violence. Additionally I have experience to provide counsel in drafting Wills, Complete Estate Planning consultation and Probate Administration.

Monica Rands-Preuss is licensed both in California and Washington. She has been practicing family law since 1994. Monica has years of experience working with families in transition. She believes that since all families are unique, their solutions should be too.

Parenting Plans for Divorcing Couples in Washington https://www.mollybkenny.com/library/custody-and-the-law-in-washington-state.cfm When couples with children are getting a divorce, child custody or co-parent

In Washington State, a court will consider the opinion of your child–though the age and maturity of your child will also be taken into consideration. For example, while some judges will hear the preferences of an 11-year-old child, judges may not as seriously consider the child’s wants as they would a 17-year-old child who voices his or her opinion. Ultimately, the judge will decide upon a parenting plan based on the child’s overall best interests. In some cases, the child’s best interests are not the child’s preference.

Here are just a few considerations when thinking about your child testifying as part of your child custody case:

How will the child testify? In some cases, a child will have a private conversation with the judge in his or her chamber–a non-formal and more comfortable environment where the judge can get a better general feel for what the child needs. In other cases, the child may be asked to testify in open court, which may be more difficult.

Does the child understand his or her needs? Some parents are surprised when they hear what their child had to say–and could be deeply hurt. Some children are too young or immature to know what is best for them, and may pick the parent who will be less strict or who has not been their primary caretaker.

Will the child be emotionally affected by testifying? Some children are at an age in which testifying could be very harmful for them, and some children are too sensitive to be asked what their wishes are when it comes to their divorcing parents. While some children would rather voice their opinion, others may wish to not have anything to do with the parenting plan. If your child is old enough, talk to him or her about how he or she feels.

For most parents, the child custody case and parenting plan formation is the most painful and upsetting part of a divorce or breakup–no one wants to see their children make tough decisions, and no one wants their children to feel like the stability of their home is gone. To get help from an experienced Seattle child custody attorney, contact the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny today: 425-460-0550.

Molly B. Kenny's Bellevue family law office is conveniently located on Lake Bellevue Drive, making it easily accessible to those in the greater Seattle area. Our divorce and child custody lawyers help men and women get the information, guidance, and compassionate representation they need.